Little difference ... go for the least expensive.

I don't know of any difference in tranny strength.
As for which year ... either. You'll find that the 98s were notorious for little changes from the 96-97 years. May save some headache later for maintenance and mod to get the 97.

 

97. Why? The 248A option was still available, unlike in 98. Also, the 97 has the revised larger radiator and cooling fan that the 96 lacks. So, in other words, if you can find a 97 248A option, That is your best bet. BTW, 248A=heavily de-optioned=lighter.

The T45 and 4R70W are both stronger trannies than the T5 and AOD that they replaced.

 

So that means the T5 and the AOD are in the 94-95 models and the T45 and the 4R70W are in the 96-98 ?

 

well i have a 98 gt automatic and look at me :joy:

 

by the way the tranny is still stock

 

the fuel system is different and you will have a hard time finding an aftermarket fuel pump on the 98.

 

I've got a '98 and love it. Last model year of the rounded look. Many improvements in '98 with some '99 parts (if late in the production year). Last model year of any style car is usually "right" from all the previous year's feedback. Consumer Reports lists the '98 Mustang as the most overall reliable Mustang to have been build within the last 10 years. Take it for what it is worth. It is right in their annual reviews. '98's also had more base horsepower than any of the earlier years. Highly tuned, refined exhaust system according to Ford. I know my stock (ya, still stock) exhaust system has a very nice note to it. I like my '98 alot but what other's have said is true, you do have to look carefully for aftermarket parts as they are many times unique to the '98's. You won't have any problems finding them, just be careful they fit the '98 Stangs. No biggy. Good luck.

'98 GT Convertible
Triple Black w/Gold "C" Stripes
and Gold Pony in Grill
Engine & Suspension Mods (what else?)

 

The only diffs in the 98's are..

Computer (this is where 98's get the extra 10hp, in the tune)
FPR is integrated into the fuel rail
Unique fuel pump, stock basket needs to be modified to accomodate other pumps
Rear hangers on the catback

 

98gt's only benifit from open exaust.

as read from ford the exaust ports were enlarged on 98gt's. thats it.

 

96-98's all share the same heads. They're all part# F6AZ-6049-AA

 

Here's some other thoughts for you:

The 96 had a cooling problem, but almost all were cleared up by a recall. Mine has never had overheating issues (with the blower, too)

In terms of getting parts, the 96-97 is easier because there are "little" changes that will make something fit 96-7 but not 8.

The 98 is rated at 10more hp but I doubt it should make your decision- the 10 goes away quickly once you mod.

96-7 has the intake problem- see if they've have the recall taken car of. (the intake manifold splits). 98 didn't have htis problem, but most 96-7s already have the part replaced.

The 96-7 have a dash pod for the clock, which I think is pretty cool. They also have the old style ashtray and drink holder, which I think is cooler as well. 96 has a honeycomb grill thingie, 97 doesn't.

 

'98 all the way, not that I'm Biased in any way!!

 

I'll vote for 96. You have the 248A package, underhood light, struttower brace, vents on the sidescoops, black insert under rear bumper, 16 inch wheels with no speed limiter. The brace, 248A and no limiter were in 97 as well but 96 has the most little extras. The 98s are not different enough performance-wise. The 99s however..... but then you have a different body style which I don't like as much.

You sometimes see 96 cobras for some awesome prices.
Erich

 

96-7 has the intake problem- see if they've have the recall taken car of. (the intake manifold splits). 98 didn't have htis problem, but most 96-7s already have the part replaced.

Eventhough I love my '98 and think it's the best, I wanted to correct your comment about the intake problem. '98s had the same problem and so does the '99s and '00s. Ford just didn't include them in the recall for some reason. As long as the intake has the plastic coolant runner, it's a problem waiting to happen.

I didn't like the clock pod of previous years and I didn't like their smaller exhaust tips either.

That's all the $0.02 I have to offer...

 

I'll vote for 96. You have the 248A package, underhood light, struttower brace, vents on the sidescoops, black insert under rear bumper, 16 inch wheels with no speed limiter. The brace, 248A and no limiter were in 97 as well but 96 has the most little extras. The 98s are not different enough performance-wise. The 99s however..... but then you have a different body style which I don't like as much.

You sometimes see 96 cobras for some awesome prices.
Erich

What do you mean vents on the side scoops? I though the '96-'97s came with holes drilled for the strut tower not the actual brace itself.

 

What do you mean vents on the side scoops? I though the '96-'97s came with holes drilled for the strut tower not the actual brace itself.

Apparently some 96 cars came with the semi-functional sidescoops, just like the 94-95 cars. It's supposed to be a rear brake cooler, but from all reports, it doesn't do ****. As far as the strut tower brace, all 96-97 GT's have them. BTW, I have a 248A 96 GT and love it. The 97 248A is somewhat better due to the larger radiator and cooling fan. I would stay away from the 98's due to all of their one year only differences and the fact that they are all heavily optioned. This, of course, does not matter if you are going to keep the car stock.

 

Another Vote for 98

98 auto GT's all came standard with a limited slip 3.27 rearend... 99-04 GT exhausts all fit as well... 10hp isnt that much but still is 10hp more than 96-97.. another reason to buy a 98 would be the fact that it takes ford 2-3 model years to perfect a car.
my 0.02
rob

 

The sides scoops aren't really any more 'functional' between 96-98 models. That air passing through the scoop will never hit the brakes. It's aimed right at the outter portion of the tire. I guess it'd cool your tires though

 

Apparently some 96 cars came with the semi-functional sidescoops, just like the 94-95 cars. It's supposed to be a rear brake cooler, but from all reports, it doesn't do ****. As far as the strut tower brace, all 96-97 GT's have them. BTW, I have a 248A 96 GT and love it. The 97 248A is somewhat better due to the larger radiator and cooling fan. I would stay away from the 98's due to all of their one year only differences and the fact that they are all heavily optioned. This, of course, does not matter if you are going to keep the car stock.

So your side scoop has a vent in it? I never knew about that, so there is no black honeycomb peice in there? Thats really cool that your car came with a strut tower brace I always though they just came pre-drilled for them. Cool!

 

Yeah, I know that the sidescoops are not really functional but I like that the 96 are drilled and at least sort of make an attempt. 96 and 97 have actual strut tower braces. 98 and later do not. Don't know if the holes are still there-most likely yes.
Erich

 

strut tower brace Q's????

that sucks about the S.T.B.not being on 98's, is the factory brace as good as buying an aftermarket unit?

 

IMO it's not worth the extra 8lbs. On my 94 I couldn't tell the difference with it on or off. Other then it looking cool, it's not worth spending $90-120 on. Factory and aftermarket STB's all work the same. The only differences are some have different clearances for things like a blower. But on a stock engine it doesn't matter.

 

I think the absense of a stb may show itself over time rather than if you just remove it. The chassie must be pretty decent without it since the 03/04 cobras lack it. I am glad my car has it. I wish I had one on the 89.
Erich

 

I agree with Stolen 98 on Ford making the car "right" after a few years. The '98 may just be the most "right" Mustang of its era. Also not crazy about the square, chisel look of the '99+ crowd.

Anyone else comment on the '98's rearends? I have an automatic and have wondered what my gears were. Thought it might be the 3.27's but wasn't sure. Has anyone with the '96-'98's ever noticed how much more comfortable the seats are than the newer Stangs? Why did they change the rolled padding design for those a** busters of recent years? Some Cobras and maybe Mach I's may have had better seating, certainly not the common GT.

One more note on getting a car "right". I think the best new Mustang will probably be available sometime in 2007, not 2005. Happy cruisin'!

'98 GT Convertible
Triple Black w/Gold "C" Stripes
and Gold Pony in Grill
Engine & Suspension Mods (what else?)

 

Hey Erich, not all of the 96's have holes drilled in the side scoops. Mines is just a honeycomb plastic non-drilled look-a-like. I've never seen any of them with the holes drilled, and I don't understand the logic of putting a non functional imitation side air dam. It seems like it would only create wind-drag on the car.